Tim BarnumAssociate Editor Community News

Tim started working at the Arenac County Independent in 2007, and then in 2010 began writing at the Ogemaw County Herald and for the Oscoda Couty Herald. Finally, in 2013, he returned to Standish.

Tim said coming back to the Arenac paper was fun for him, as it gave him the chance to cover several issues he was familiar with from a few years ago.

Tim attended Central Michigan University, graduating in 2006 with a major in broadcast and cinematic arts and a minor in political science. So, of course, a newspaper job was the logical path.

He attended Whittemore-Prescott High Schoo; and grew up in Ogemaw County. His parents, John and Carolyn Barnum, still live in the house where he grew up in Churchill Township.

Outside of the office (when not covering sports, meetings, or community events, of course), Tim enjoys doing and watching things that make him laugh. Whether it's reading a humorous non-fiction book (he said he doesn't do fiction, at least not since the Harry Potter saga came to an end) or watching absurdly funny TV shows and stand-up comedy. He tries to fill his free time with laughter.

"What's the other options?" he asks. "Anger? Despair? Fear? No thanks on all three."

When Tim is not watching something funny like "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" or "Wilfred," it's a safe bet that he's watching sports. He said his Detroit sports teams especially the Lions and Tigers, are really the only teams he cares about, although there are several players on his fantasy team that he keeps tabs on.

"Yes, I play fantasy football," he says. "And talk about it. Sorry! I also play disc golf, and the Ogemaw Hills Recreation Complex has become like a second home to me \. Albeit it's outside, and there's nothing that really resembles a home there, but I think I could spend a weekend there, nonetheless."

All kidding aside, Tim said he enjoys writing, which is ultimately how he came to work for a newspaper. And he hopes the readers enjoy reading his writing.